Upper Western Shore and The Greater Baltimore Area Crab and Oyster Trail

Succulent, sweet, and centuries of tradition.

Places along the way

Upper Western Shore

and The Greater Baltimore Area

The Upper Western Shore serves up the energy and excitement of big city Baltimore, but also offers rural escapes in the countryside north and west of the city near the towns of Bel Air and Westminster.

Seeking a special night out with spectacular views of the waterfront and city skyline? Head to the Rusty Scupper in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor for elegant harbor-side drinking and dining.

For impressive and peaceful water views, head to Havre de Grace where history and culture intermingle with the town’s excellent food and spirits, just like the waters of the wide Susquehanna Flats that merge with the Chesapeake Bay.

The Carroll County Arts Council is located in the magnificently renovated Carroll Arts Center, formerly the Carroll Theatre in downtown Westminster. The art deco building now houses a 263-seat theatre, the Tevis Gallery, Community Gallery, Director’s Hall Gallery, Gift Shop, two art classrooms and offices.

North Point State Park in Edgemere is on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay and offers scenic overlooks, a fishing pier and hiking trails. Its visitor center showcases exhibits about the Battle of North Point during the War of 1812 and the Bay Shore Amusement Park, which was on this site in the early 1900s.

Photo By: Dan Thacker

While in Baltimore, Don’t miss the National Aquarium, where exhibits about Maryland’s aquatic habitats include a salt marsh display with live crabs and fish. It’s a fascinating way to discover the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay and the life cycle of the blue crab.

The Great Baltimore Oyster Festival in mid-October kicks-off the oyster season, which lasts through the winter and early spring. At the festival, sample oysters raw, fried and grilled, then watch professional oyster shuckers compete against each other and against the clock. Don’t worry if you’re a novice and want to shuck oysters. Westminster offers a Downtown Oyster Stroll and a Learn to Shuck Like a Pro event at Maggie’s Restaurant to hone your skills.

In Baltimore there is no shortage of oyster bars – nine of them in fact. These venues offer oysters from a variety of locales, so you can sample the subtle flavor differences that arise from their diverse environments and salinities. To savor oysters and seafood delicacies made with farm to table ingredients, head to Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore or Catonsville Gourmet in the suburbs.

Take a Side Trip

Just outside Baltimore, the Bay and its rivers have a party boat culture where people take a floating vacation every weekend and visit each other’s boats. In the Edgemere area, boaters tie up at Hart Miller Island State Park, then enjoy its 3,000-foot sandy beach and campground. The western shore of the island offers safe mooring, wading and access to the beach. Visitors can rent bicycles on the island and travel the 1.8-mile Long Trail Loop around man-made ponds, which are well-known for their birding. Hart Miller Island is a great place to relax and escape the city.

Tour the National Aquarium in Baltimore to explore what lives in our oceans, then try a dragon or peddle boat in the Inner Harbor.

Maryland Lore

Many oysters change sex over the course of their lifetime. Most oysters less than one year old are male, while older oysters are usually female.

Oysters for sale with information on the importance of oysters on Maryland's environment & economy.